Archive for jewelry

Fun in the Sun

Friday, April 27th, 2012

Here in Wisconsin it’s definitely not beach weather yet (right now it’s 28 degrees) but we can dream right? I created this collage to show how much fun you can have with fashion even at the beach (besides the usual swim suit).

Start off with an eye catching yet comfortable maxi dress in colors of the sea with waves represented by its print. Throw on a thin cotton cardigan for when the cool breezes hit you and a straw hat to keep the sun off your beautiful face. Add some embellished, yet practical flats to make it easy to navigate the hot sand.

Accessorize your beach outfit with natural wood earrings and bracelet. You can either wear 1 statement bracelet or stack several up to show everyone your fashion sense. Add a fun, easily cleaned bag to carry all of your necessities in a color of the sun, cheery yellow. It adds one more pop of color to your look.

Last but not least, wear fun, coordinating nail and toe polish along with simple, natural makeup in your best colors. And of course, don’t forget the sun screen. Your skin will thank you.

Enjoy the sun and surf!

 

Fun in the Sun

 


Comments (0)

Jewelry, Fashion & Accessories Show in Chicago

Monday, April 23rd, 2012

I just got back from the Jewelry, Fashion & Accessories show in Chicago (Rosemont) and wanted to share the fun with you. This is a huge show in Rosemont, which features hundreds of exhibitors that all all kinds of jewelry, from fashion to fine (read: large diamonds!); fashion-I use this word loosely because I didn’t see anything I’d buy for myself or my clients, except some leather coats and accessories. There are any and all kinds of accessories you can think of including scarves, beauty products, hair styling products, handbags and many other things.

I invited my friend to go and she was excited because she had never been before. She’s a fashion pro so she was ready for whatever was in store. Tip: bring a rolling suitcase so you can lug all of your purchases around in that instead of trying to carry it all and having your arm fall off.

Some of the highlights were beads by the string with hundreds and hundreds of kinds to choose from. A beader’s paradise. Beautifully handmade leather coats-the leather is like butter-lovely. Handbags of every kind including blinged out and handmade leather bags of all shapes and sizes. You can tell these artisans really care about their handy work. Swarovski crystal blinged out sunglasses in every color and pattern. Last but not least, rows and rows of fine jewelers including estate, vintage and brand new gems and precious metals of all shapes, sizes, styles and designs. This is my favorite category of the show. My friend tried on a $94,000 diamond bracelet with 25 karats. Major drool.

We both had a great time and will be back for more fun in the future. Check out my pictures for the highlights.

Animal print leather & fur jacket

 

$94,000 diamond bracelet

White leather jacket with buckles

Trendy as a Button

Saturday, September 3rd, 2011

I was walking through a farmer’s market enjoying the
fruits, veggies and other goodies when I came upon a booth that had jewelry.
There were a number of other jewelry booths which I scanned but this one caught
my eye because it was different. I’m always on the lookout for different. The
name of the business is Cute As A Button, so as you can imagine, the jewelry is
made out of buttons. Now don’t tune out. This isn’t your grandma’s doily and
lace look. It’s funky, fun and totally different.

One of the owners saw the idea in San Francisco and
brought it home to see what she and the other owner could do with it. They’ve
created bracelets, necklaces, rings and even headbands that are eye catching, trendy
and unconventional. No matter what your dressing personality, you can work
these into your wardrobe. I bought a number of things to incorporate into my
wardrobe and one as a gift.

The owners indicated they’re happy to make custom pieces using either buttons you have or ones you indicate you want them to use.

Oh, and did I mention that the prices are very, very reasonable? Yep, they are.

You can contact them at:

cuteasabuttonjewelry@yahoo.com

Facebook: Cute As A Button Jewelry

Etsy (shop): cuteasabuttonjewel

I mentioned previously that I styled Conny Karman for her gallery opening where she won best of class at an art gallery. Her piece is beautiful and totally unique, just like her.

Conny is a stay at home mom who has an extensive business background in business. She is a jewelry artist part time specializing metals, usually sterling silver. As you can see, the necklace she created and entered is eye catching and very detailed. It took her many, many hours to create this.

Conny normally has a very basic, jeans and sweater or polo shirt look. She likes simple lines and colors. Her look doesn’t show her incredibly creative side. I wanted to bring that out and give her an edgy look for the gallery opening. We went shopping and I put her in some dresses she wouldn’t have looked twice at previously. When she tried them on, she instantly changed from normal to head turning. We decided on the dress and she liked another dress so much, she also bought that one for other occasions.

I also helped her select boots to go with her look and coached her on hair and makeup. I told her to complete the look, she needed an edgy hair style. When I saw her at the gallery opening, she looked exquisite. I stood next to her as person after person came up to her and told her how beautiful she looked. Shelly Culea, the person who created this gallery opening and is an incredible (and fashionable) artist, greeted Conny and told her she looked gorgeous. She also said that everyone else should have dressed just like her. !  Barbara Chappell, president of the Wisconsin Designer Craft Council, made similar comments.

One of the attendees of the showed was from Mount Mary College and asked Conny to teach a class there! Congrats Conny!

Enjoy the pictures of the beautiful, accomplished artist. Make sure you notice the necklace and earrings she’s wearing. She created them. Conny’s happy to create jewelry just for you. http://www.bigib.com

Conny Before

 

Conny & her husband

Conny & Barbara Chappell

 

Conny side view of hair